Management system and method

ABSTRACT

A system and process for managing a plurality of operations and activities of diverse characteristics which when completed result in the production of a complex physical system or object. The managing process comprises step procedures and activities, including man-machine procedures, which step procedures may in instances be independent and in others interdependent and may be in part at least partially concurrent in time. The system effectively optimizes the time-relationships and completions of the activities and correlated operations to bring the production of the physical system or object to a conclusion with optimum utilization of time at minimum expense, while during the production period admitting of changes in activites both as to content, operatives involved and time used and timing.

[ 1 3,736,409 51 May 29,1973

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD Inventor:

Edwin A. Boyan, Riverside, Calif.

Program Control Corporation, Van Nuys, Calif.

Filed: Jan. 11, 1971 Appl. No.: 105,658

Related U.S. Application Data Continuation of Ser. No. 652,969, July 12,1967, abandoned.

Assignee:

U.S. Cl ..235/6l.6 R, 340/1725 Int. Cl.....G05b 15/00, G06f 15/00, G06k15/00 Field of Search ..235/61.6 R, 61.6 A,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1962 Bradley 346/l0 OTHERPUBLICATIONS in Systems Management, July 1962, pp. 42-46 Proceedings ofthe Discussion on Critical Path Analysis- Armstrong et 111., April 1963,pp. l7-23 IBM Reference Manual, 1401 Data Processing System, Sept. 1961,pages 50, 5 1

Dellers Walker on Patents, 1964, Baker, Voorhis & Co., Vol. 1 pp. 152,153

Primary ExaminerMaynard R. Wilbur Assistant Examiner-Thomas J. SloyanAtt0rneyGolove & Kleinberg [57] ABSTRACT A system and process formanaging a plurality of operations and activities of diversecharacteristics which when completed result in the production of acomplex physical system or object. Themanaging process comprises stepprocedures and activities, including man-machine procedures, which stepprocedures may in instances be independent and in others interdependentand may be in part at least partially concurrent in time. The systemeffectively optimizes the time-relationships and completions of theactivities and correlated operations to bring the production of thephysical system or object to a conclusion with optimum utilization oftime at minimum expense, while during the production period admitting ofchanges in activites both as to content, operatives involved and timeused and timing.

I 1 Claim, 23 Drawing Figures COMPUTER OR PROfiRAM CARDS DATA CARD gCARDS READER COMPUTER I MANUAL GE READER REVISIONS PRINCIPAL (MAN AND/ORa -CHART MACHINE.)

Patented May 29, 1973 3,736,409

17 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fuc-s. I.

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PRObRAM CARDS DATA v CARD CARDS READER r COMPUTER MANUAL h3? READERPLOTI'ER PEV'S'ONS PRINCIPAL (MAN AND/OR a CHART MACHINE) Pie. 2.

CARD CARDS r READER r COMPUTER PRINCIP I. CHARTA PLOTTER INTERFACE FlG.3.

KEYBOARD compo-r52 DATA REVISION PLOTTER (MAN AND/0R MACHINE) INVENTOBEDWIN A. BOYAN BY Q-AWF 17 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG-.48.

lNvEN'i'oia EDWIN A. BOYAN AGENT Patented May 29, 1973 3,736,409

17 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fe. 4d.

mvsm-orz EDWIN A. BOYAN BY 9* H cww-L AGENT 1 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 PROGRAMBREAKDOWN STRUCTURE WEAPON A07 fRf- PRODUC T/ON DES/6N SYSTEM SY5TEMREQUIREMENTS ASSESSMENTS TIER 1: 11 ER I 3 FIR/N65 FRGM 20 AMfLfS.

SENSOQ NAVIGATION DATA PROCESSING FLIGHT UJNTROL SYSTEM SY ST E HREQUIRE MENTS AS$ESSMENT TIER If. TIER IE INTERQA EQUIP COMPUTER.DIQPLAY 'zga 'gc' PILOT 6, NAVIGATOR GROUND BASED INVENTOFB "EDWIN A.BOYAN AGENT Patented May 29, 1973 1'7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Av r al -02 on u at e .Crjiiin u v d mas wkfkdou nd4u.

INVENTCR EDWIN A. BOYAM G HAS MULTI PLE TYPE B08 HAS MULTIPLE TYPE B10HAS MULTIPLE TYPE B13 HAS MULTIPLE TYPE I CARDS I I 1 G07 HAS MULTI PLETYPE T L CARDS CARDS CARDS CARDS CARDS CARDS G09 HAS MULTI PLE TYPE G12HAS MULTlPLE TYPE I92 TYPE 3 CARDS I 17 P MORE THAN ONE ACT I VI TY H05E02 FIG. 8

G05 G00 G03 G02 LOOP E0 4 BF0 H03 G05 60 G03 F05 F00 F02 F01 C06 E0 4LOOP G01 F07 F06 F03 BFO H03 G05 (50 G03 G01 LOOP F06 F03 Z INVENTOR PECESSING TERMINATED EDWIN A. B YAN Patented May 29,

FORMATION DRONE' CONTROL A001 500 A002 1 100 A003 1000 A005 1000 A005700 A006 1500 A007 900 A007 900 A008 500 A008 500 A008 500 A008 500 A0092200 A010 1000 A010 1000 A010 1000 A01 1 1500 A01 1 1500 A012 000 A0133500 B001 700 8002 1000 0003 1500 000 1 1500 0005 1000 B006 1000 00071000 B008 2000 13009 1 100 c001 1000 c002 1000 c003 1000 000 1 1000 c0051000 c006 1000 0001 5100 0002 2200 0003 2200 0005 1 100 000 1 1 100 00056000 0006 1100 0006 1 100 l? Sheets-Sheet 8 PROGRAM A001 A003 A002 A006C006 A005 A005 A007 8003 A008 A009 B009 C005 A010 8005 A01 1 A012 B001B002 B003 B005 B005 B006 B007 B008 EARUEST LOQICAL START START MARQUARDTEARUEST 01m mm COMPLHE SAFETY INVENTOR A003 A005 A005 A008 A008 A007A013 X001 B002 B003 B005 B005 B006 B007 B008 8009 A010 C002 C003 C005C005 C006 A007 0002 D005 D008 TASK 5118mm EDW IN A. BOYAN ODPPELPatented May 29, 1973 3,736,409

17 Sheets-Sheet 9 0007 6200 100 0006 07900 07900 13600 13600 19700 E01513600 D007 6200 100 F003 05600 05600 1 1800 0008 2200 100 0003 0850008500 10700 0008 2200 100 F008 08900 08900 1 1 100 1 1 100 19700 E015 11 100 E001 2300 00000 00000 02300 02300 06600 E006 02300 E002 0000 100E001 02300 02300 02300 02300 13300 E009 02300 E003 5200 100 E001 0230002300 07500 07500 1.3300 E009 07500 E009 5900 100 E001 02300 02300 0770007700 13300 E009 07700 E005 5900 100 E001 02300 02300 07700 07700 13300E009 07700 E006 6700 100 E001 02300 02300 09000 09000 13300 E013 09000E007 700 100 E001 02300 02300 03000 03000 08800 E008 03000 E008 9500 100E007 03000 03000 07500 07500 13300 E009 07500 E009 0000 100 E002 0230002300 02300 E009 0000 100 E009 v 07700 07700 07700 E009 0000 100 E00507700 07700 07700 07700 13300 E013 07700 E009 0000 100 E008 07500 0750007500 E010 5500 00000 00000 05500 05500 16200 E01 1 05500 E01 1 1500 100E010 05500 05500 07000 07000 17700 E019 07000 E012 2200 100 E009 0770007700 09900 09900 17700 E019 09900 E01 2 2200 100 E003 07500 07500 09700E013 9900 100 E006 09000 09000 13900 13900 17700 E019 13900 E019 2000100 E01 1 07000 07000 09000 E019 2000 100 E013 13900 13900 15900 1590019700 E015 15900 E015 2300 100 E019 15900 15900 17700 17700 22000 X00117700 E015 2300 100 0005 19500 19500 16800 E015 2300 100 D007 1360013600 15900 I F001 2200 00000 00000 02200 02200 07900 D001 02200 F0022000 100 F001 02200 02200 09200 09200 1 1000 F003 09200 F003 1900 100F002 09200 09200 05600 05600 12900 D006 05600 F009 0000 00000 0000000000 08600 F005 00000 F005 9500 100 F009 00000 00000 09500 09500 13100F006 09500 F006 3200 100 F005 09500 09500 07700 07700 16300 F007 07700F007 1200 100 F006 07700 07700 08900 08900 17500 F008 08900 F008 0000100 F007 08900 08900 08900 08 00 17500 0008 08900 X001 0000 100 A01322000 22000 22000 22 00 22000 X001 0000 I00 E015 17700 17700 17700 7 1lf l"""lvaai mum- Loam. ums'r annmnln mar van ml.

START s'rm cm": iAFiTY 507mm 1NVENTO12, EDWIN A BOYAN Patented May 29,1973 3,736,409

1'2 Sheets-Sheet 10 F/ a. /O a PRUGRFIH FIETIVI TV (WORK PFIEKHGE)RESPDNSIBILITV HIS; DESCRI PTIDN ncnvnv DI REETUR DEPT,

new OF EFFORT n JONES HET] VI TV 1 Fl] FICTIVI W 2 F12 RCTIVITV 3 H3ncnvnv u an ncnvnv 5 as FIELD OF EFFORT B SH] TH ncnvnv 1 B1 ncnvnv 2 s2ncnvnv 3 a3 ncnvxrv u a new or EFFORT c BRDHN COMBINED hcnvnv 1 2 c1 c2ncnvnv 3 c3 HCTIVITV Q C //Vl/[/V7'0B EDW/lV A. BOYAN Patented May 29,1973 3,736,409

17 Sheets-Sheet 12 Fla. /Oc

INTERFFICE SPFIN TIME :53; nnmsmsnn RESIJLIR REQUIRES CON. "EX a s LRPEX SKELL SVSTDI ENE. DESIGN TEE? zhcnvnvz 2X -5X'L"IT\'I?IF sRIIEIggIgI: I I I I I I I I I I I I I H3 II: I I I I I I I ml m I H II: I I II I I I I I IDIJI m I an an I I I I I I I I 10ml R3 I as an I I I I I II I mnI an I II: I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I B2 50 I I I II I I I I um 51 I a3 I I I I I l I I I 10ml 82 I B I +0 I I I I I l I II sol B3 I 50 H5 I I I I I l I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I mol cam cw +0 I I I I I I I I 1001 c: I FIS an I I I I I I I I IlNVEA/TOB EDW/N A. BOYAN Patented May 29, 1973 1 7 Sheets-Sheet 13 FIG./0 d SERVICE MTER XH.

LHBOR SUPPORT RESOURCES DOLLHRS (/lK) CES . m. PR6 0m. 5 1 c rm REL canENG. W8. 1 JR 8 I Patented May 29, 1973 I 3,736,409

17 Sheets-Sheet 15 Pm. b.

@ PROJECT MQNHGER r"1Y y r 6v/a2 //Vl/E/VTO, EDW/N A BOYA/V Patented May29, 1973 17 Sheets-Sheet 1'? HKTERIHL ssavrcz SUPPORT RESOURCES DOLLHRS(/IIOI A sv. m; cm mar REL :0

CES

HFG ENG.

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD This is a continuation of the U. S.application Ser. No. 652,969, filed July l2, 1967, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a new and improved system for managing complexactivities by combined dataprocessing and other means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The new system of this invention comprises, assteps: (1) the analysis of the entire complex of matters, procedures andactivities comprised in the production of the system or object,utilizing a unique program breakdown structure comprising a physicalrecord; (2) formulation of an identification of the major objectiveswhich when attained comprise completion of production of the object orsystem (the latter hereinafter termed the product in the interest ofbrevity); (3) quantifying data and organizing it into a form acceptableas machine input data; (4) subdividing the major objectives intosubsidiary objectives, and identifying and defining the specific tasksnecessary to accomplishment of the individual major and subsidiaryobjectives; (5) defining individual tasks comprised in the respectiveactivities and estimating the span of time (span time) required foraccomplishment of each task in terms of time units (e.g., hours); (6)defining the technical requirements associated with each task in termsof the commencement-time and completion-time relationship with those ofthe other tasks and activities, assigning an alphanumeric identifier ordesignation for each described task and establishing an order ofdominance of individual tasks relative to others; (7) forming agraphical representation (such as the DATA INPUT FORM depicted in FIG. 6hereof) on which the noted tasks are listed, the graphicalrepresentation or form showing the major objective, or sub-objective,the responsible person or organization assigned to execute the task, ineach instance, the alpha-numeric task designation or identifier, thetask-time estimate, a description of the task to be performed in eachinstance, the time relationship to other work-related tasks which mustbe in part or in entirety completed before the task in question can becommenced, and the identification of the latter task or tasks, if any;(8) converting the data produced on the graphical representation (e.g.,the DATA INPUT FORM) into a form acceptable as input data for adata-processing system, as by keypunching cards or tape according to apredetermined format (e.g., that illustrated in FIG. 7), andestablishing a file, such as a card file, of such data, includingcollating related data; (9) identifying possible sources of error in thedata input, formulating a machine dataprocessing procedure foridentifying and locating the mentioned errors, and machine processingthe data for error detection and identification, using alphanumericcharacter output and printing a form showing the results of theprocessing (as indicated, for example, in FIG. 8); (l0) correcting anydiscovered input-data errors by addition to, deletion from, or otheralteration of the stored input data; and (11) processing the data storedin the card-file or tape, according to a determined program (such asthat outlined in FIG. 13), and machine producing a principal chartdepicting the data-processor or machine output (as in the form depictedin FIGS. a, 10b, 10c, 10d) by automatic highspeed cathode-ray-tubefiber-optics printing means connected to receive the output of the dataprocessor.

The principal chart provides, by way of characters such as line segmentsproduced within the elongate activity spaces previously indicated,indication of the actual extent of current accomplishment of the severaltasks encompassed by each of the activities. The chart also demarks bymeans of significantly unique characters external to the availablealphanumeric characters, such items of interest as (a) the earliestpossible time of commencement of a particular task and/or activity, (b)the most logical time of commencement of the latter, (c) the earliestpossible time of completion of the same, (d) desirable completion timeor doppel of that portion of the task or activity that is required by adependent activity, and (e) the absolute or target date or time ofcompletion of the task or activity. The principal chart additionallyreveals such items of interest as the names of significant personsinvolved in production of the product; a product and/or projectidentifier; equipment involved in the data processing and productionactivities; supporting resources in terms of personnel, finances andequipment; and costs related to labor, material, services and the like.As deemed requisite or expedient, the input data is repetitivelyupgraded and updated to reflect changes occurring during accomplishmentof the objectives of the tasks and activities, and the revised inputdata then reprocessed to produce successively more accurate principalcharts, whereby at any .stage of the management procedure each cognizantperson concerned may be provided, at a moments notice, with the currentstatus of the several activities as represented by the currently storedinput data.

Briefly, the invention has for a principal object the gross improvementof presently known systems adapted to produce and present in graphicalform the instantaneous summation of all desired significant factorsinvolved in management and accomplishment of complex product-productionprojects, such as, for example, the design. and manufacture of asubmersibledeployed inter-ocean missile system, or products of lessercomplexity such as a single aircraft carrier, or a single telemetrysystem.

In the design and manufacture of products of the indicated complexity,the value has long been established of charts such as progress charts,showing the current status of various sub-divisions of the total task ofproducing the product, whereby design tasks, prototype production, labordistribution and utilization, material supply, costs, inspections,deliveries, and other of the myriad details involved may be scheduled,and cognizant personnel advised, so as to provide an optimumaccomplishment of a determined objective. In general, such charts haveheretofore been manually produced utilizing data and information derivedfrom sources, and revisions made aperiodically (or periodically) asseemed proper or expedient, utilizing such mechanical aids ascalculators, drafting machines, office equipment and like means. As isevident, by the time such charts are completed and furnished foranalysis, the overall picture of a project may have changed considerablyin one or many important respects, whereby accurate analyses and optimumfuture action might well be impossible of attainment. Further, in suchmethods of driving to conclusion of a project, various human errors, notimmediately discernible or detectable, may occur, whereby futureplanning and action are less than best.

The present invention utilizes a unique arrangement of man and machinesand a unique mode of procedure involving series of steps includingmachine-handling and processing of data with automatic error-searchingand correction, to effect the extremely rapid automaticmachine-production of comprehensive informationportraying charts. Thesecharts are produced in their original forms at very high speeds (forexample, a rate of production in the order of 600,000 characters perminute) and each is revised or up-dated with current changes in accordwith revisions or changes effected in the input data. The latter can becontinuously or intermittently revised, and upon entry into the dataprocessor are checked for errors of omission and others subject tospotting in the aforementioned error-discovery routine or check. Whilesimpler organizations of apparatuses and operators according to theinvention are contemplated within the scope of the latter, a preferredcomprehensive and illustrative organization is hereinafter disclosed indetail, in which organization or system information gained by manual orautomatic means is supplied to card-punching means which provides aninput data file in the form of punched cards which are interrogatedsequentially by card-reader means which translates the data presented bythe cards as read to a computer. The computer may be of special-purposeconstruction but is herein illustrated as a generalpurpose computer (forexample, an IBM 7094 data processing unit) having input interface andbuffer means and similar output auxiliary means, and it, along with atape-reading auxiliary, processes the input data and provides a storableoutput in the form of a tape record. The tape record is in turnsubjected to reading or play-back in a tape-reader unit whose output isfed to the exemplary plotter or print-out means which automaticallyprints by photo means a principal chart in accordance with thisinvention. In those instances wherein storage on tape is unnecessary,the output of the computer unit is fed, via interface means, directly tothe plotter.

From the foregoing it will be evident that a principal object of thepresent invention is to provide a novel system and procedure formanaging the diverse operations and complex activities involved inproduction of a complex product..

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved operativearrangement of human resources and physical means whereby to optimizethe cooperative use of mental and manual skills with respect to time,materials and money in producing a complex product.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will becomeevident in the light of the following detailed description of apreferred comprehensive exemplary system and method according to theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a functional schematicdiagram showing functional interrelationships of components utilized inan exemplary system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional diagram similar to FIG. 1, but illustrating aless comprehensive organization of components.

FIG. 3 is a functional diagram similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 but illustrativeof a still less comprehensive organization of components.

FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, and 4fare diagrammatic representations usefulin explaining the invention and depicting exemplary usages of exemplaryarbitrary symbols having special meanings relative to periods of time.

FIG. 5 is a diagram useful in explaining the invention and depicts apreferred exemplary functional breakdown of a program adapted to beutilized in producing a particular product.

FIG. 6 is a diagram useful in explaining the invention and depicting adevice useful in the acquisition of data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a preferred form of device for use inrecording data.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary record useful in explaining the invention.

FIGS. 9a and 9b are exemplary records useful in explaining theinvention.

FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are sections of an exemplary principalchart or program produced in the practice of the invention.

FIGS. 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are sections of an exemplary principalchart or program produced in the practice of the invention, illustratingin accord with the method of the invention certain progressions from thestatuses represented in FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d.

I DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In accord with therequirements of the invention, and as necessitated by the state of theart, definitions of terms herein used are set out in the followngglossary.

Table I Program Breakdown Structure (PBS). Block diagram of the project,indicating major segments of functional or hardware development withinthe project, and within each major segment, indicating the objectives orhardware subsystems and components which are integral to that majorsegment.

Objectives. Statements of purpose which relate to major segments withina PBS, and represent essential accomplishments for overall projectcompletion. Major objectives will be supported by more detailedstatements of purpose which are essential accomplishments to support themajor objective.

Field of Effort. A homogeneous and logical group of activities whichtogether represent planned activities supporting a single objective. Afield of effort is further characterized by close sequentialrelationships between activities, and by location of responsibilitywithin a single group of personnel or within a specific organizationalelement.

Acitivity. A single task or operation which can be described as anindividual piece of work. An activity must be identified by person orelement responsible, requiring a specific period of time foraccomplishment, and related to other activities within the field ofeffort and throughout the project by specific stated requirements forother prior activities.

Span Time. The period of time required to accomplish a given activity,expressed in a common time interval for all activities within theproject. Interval may be hours, days, weeks, or months, depending on thelength of the project and the required precision for plan operation.

Practical Size Team (PST). An element of data based on the judgement ofthe individual responsible for a particular activity, and representingthe Man-

1. A system management method for facilitating production of a product,said method comprising the steps of: a. forming a chart having anelongate time axis representing passing of time; b. demarking on saidchart in the direction of a second axis, transverse to said time axis,activity identifiers on separate, parallel lines, unconnected with otherlines uniquely identifying respective activities involved in productionof the product, said activity identifiers being segregated into groups,each demarked by a group identifier, each activity being allocated anelongate area extending across the chart in the direction in thedirection of and parallel to the time axis; c. dividing each suchelongate area into a plurality of equal subdivisions representative ofrespective unit intervals of activity time, and demarking in reSpectiveactivity times, elongate areas extending across the chart in thedirection of and parallel to the time axis representing expectedchronological durations of the respective individual activities; d.demarking on said chart in each said elongate area a distinctive symbolaligned with a corresponding point on said time axis denoting time ofcommencement of said activities time of completion and a linearinterconnection of said distinctive symbols representing duration ofsaid activities, comprised in said procedure and subject to surveillanceand change; e. denoting on said chart in a separate portion of eachelongate area the number of time units to be required for individualactivities expressed in alpha-numeric symbols; f. forming a machinereadable file using an information code for recording informationrequired in creating said chart; g. automatically transforming the codeddata recorded in said file into computer input signals, providing saidsignals as input to an information-processor for operating thereon inaccordance with a program to check data for errors and omissions and toproduce output signals representative of revised information; h.translating the said output signals into a series of information signalsand concurrently graphically recording the same to produce a correctedreplica of said chart; i. subjecting the recorded information signals asproduced on said corrected replica to analysis according topre-established criteria and altering one or more factors involving oneor more of said activities as dictated by the analysis of said correctedreplica; j. revising the information contained in said machine readablefile to bring the stored information into conformity with the facturalstatus of said activities; and k. repeating the steps of transformingthe coded data, translating, and graphically recording, to producerevised replicas of said chart, whereby management can be guided toeffect revisions of the product production activity steps and operationsto thereby optimize the production of said product.